Gaming machine and method

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine provides a slot game with a display for the slot game. The display variably displays a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine is provided with a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player&#39;s anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slot game, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide a first award to the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e) provide a second award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2005-135766, filed on May 9, 2005, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, such as a slotmachine and gaming method. More particularly, this invention relates toa gaming machine and method that can grant a predetermined award to aplayer, in addition to a regular award granted in a game performednormally.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a gaming machine called “slot machine” has a pluralityof reels rotatably arranged in a casing and provided, on each outercircumferential surface, with several kinds of symbols. These symbols onthe reels are visible through display windows on the front side of thegaming machine. Around the display windows, there are representedpaylines that can be activated corresponding to the number of bets.Thus, when symbols are aligned along an activated payline, a winningbecomes definite (Japanese Patent Publication Laid-open 2002-159624).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the conventional gaming machine, however, it is difficult to enhancea player's fin and excitement in playing a game sufficiently. Because,under so-called “nailed-down” circumstance about the paylines, a playercan do nothing but selecting the number of activated paylines bychanging the number of bets. Particularly, in a current environmentwhere an interaction between a gaming machine (e.g. slot machine) and aplayer is required, the above-mentioned shortage in terms of theplayer's fun and excitement becomes more obvious.

Under the above-mentioned circumstances, it is therefore an object ofthe present invention to provide a gaming machine that can improve aninteraction between the gaming machine and a player and enhance theplayer's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In order to attain the above object, according to a first aspect of theinvention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display forvariably displaying a plurality of symbols; a processor programmed tooperate with the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stopposition for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols fora stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display,and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol ispositioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

According to the gaming machine with a configuration described above,when the specific symbol stops on the stop position anticipated by theplayer, an award is granted to the player. That is, as the gamingmachine can provide a slot game allowing the player to participate inthe game positively, it is possible to improve an interaction betweenthe gaming machine and the player and also possible to enhance theplayer's fun and excitement sufficiently.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a gaming machine comprising: a slot game; a display for theslot game, which variably displays a plurality of symbols; a processorprogrammed to operate with the display to (a) accept a player'santicipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display,(b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slot game, (c)display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide a first awardto the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e) provide asecond award to the player if the specific symbol is positioned on thestop position anticipated by the player.

In this case, when the specific symbol stops in the stop positionanticipated by the player, a second award is granted to the player. Thatis, as the gaming machine of the second aspect can provide a slot gameallowing the player to participate in the game positively, it ispossible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine and theplayer and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitementsufficiently.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, theslot game may include a base game, and the processor may accept aplayer's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in thedisplay in the base game.

In the gaming machine above, the first award may be to shift a gamingmode of the slot game from a base game to a bonus game profitable forthe player to acquire a game medium.

In this case, when the combination of symbols displayed on the displayunit in the stopped condition in the base game coincides with thepredetermined winning combination, the base game of the gaming machineis changed to the bonus game which is a profitable game for the player.Then, the player's fin and excitement can be enhanced

In the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, theprocessor may accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for aspecific symbol in the display in the bonus game.

In this case, when the specific symbol stops on the stop positionanticipated by the player in the bonus game, the second award is grantedto the player. Then, the player's fun and excitement can be furtherenhanced in comparison with the player's fun and excitement in thegaming machine.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, theprocessor may accept the player's plural anticipations about the stoppositions for the specific symbol.

In this case, it is expected that the gaming machine could expand inapplication, for example, possibility of modifying the contents of awardcorresponding to the number of player's anticipations for the stoppositions of the specific symbol. Then, it is possible to improve aninteraction between the gaming machine and the player in anticipatingthe stop position of the specific symbol and also possible to enhancethe player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, theprocessor may allow the player to select the specific symbol from theplurality of symbols.

Also in his case, it is expected that the gaming machine could expand inapplication, for example, possibility of modifying the contents of awardcorresponding to the kind of the specific symbol selected by the player.Thus, it is possible to improve an interaction between the gamingmachine and the player in anticipating the stop position of the specificsymbol.

In the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, thesecond award may be to shift gaming mode of the slot game from a basegame to a bonus game.

In this case, since the base game is changed to the bonus gameprofitable for acquisition of the game medium, it is possible to enhancethe player's gaming will and the player's fin and excitement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda gaming machine comprising: a display for variably displaying aplurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operate with the displayto (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specificsymbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c)display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an awardto the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop positionanticipated by the player, wherein the processor accepts the player'splural anticipations about the stop positions for the specific symbol.

According to the above gaming machine, it is possible to improve aninteraction between the gaming machine and the player and also possibleto enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

In order to attain the above object, according to a fourth aspect of thepresent invention, there is also provided a gaming method for a gamingmachine having a display for a slot game, which variably displays aplurality of symbols, the gaming method comprising: accepting a player'santicipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display;determining a combination of symbols for a stationary state; operatingthe display to display the symbols variably and stopping the operationof the display to display the combination of symbols in a stationarystate; and granting an award to the player when the specific symbol ispositioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.

According to the above gaming method, as the gaming machine can providethe slot game allowing the player to participate in the game positively,it is possible to improve an interaction between the gaming machine andthe player and also possible to enhance the player's fun and excitementsufficiently.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance structure of a slotmachine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing one example of symbol rows variably displayedon a display portion of the slot machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machinetypically;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal driving circuit of alower liquid crystal display of the slot machine typically;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing one example of a main process of the slotmachine;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing one example of a sub-game acceptanceprocess of the slot machine;

FIG. 7 is a view showing one example that a sub-game selectionrequesting area in the lower liquid crystal display of the slot machine;

FIG. 8 is a view showing one example of a selecting acceptance imagedisplayed on the lower liquid crystal display in a selecting acceptanceimage displaying process of the slot machine;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing one example of a start acceptance processof the slot machine;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing one example of a lottery process of theslot machine;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing one example of a base game process ofthe slot machine;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing one example of a bonus game process ofthe slot machine; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing one example of a fee spin process of theslot machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described in detail based on oneembodiment where a gaming machine of the present invention is realizedin the form of a slot machine, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance structure of the slotmachine. In FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2 forming thewhole slot machine 1. The cabinet 2 is provided, on a top face thereof,with a lamp 20. Additionally, the slot machine 1 has an upper liquidcrystal display 3 arranged at an upper part of the front surface of thecabinet 2 and a lower liquid crystal display 4 arranged on a centralpart of the front surface of the cabinet 2.

The upper liquid crystal display 3 is formed by a general-purpose liquidcrystal display. The upper liquid crystal display 3 displays gameinformation, for example, gaming method, various winning combinationsand their dividends, various effects about game and so on. While, thelower liquid crystal display 4 is formed by a so-called transparentliquid crystal display. For example, the transparent liquid crystaldisplay is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Laid-open No.2005-81015. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower liquid crystal display 4includes four variable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25. In thisembodiment, a single activated payline L is formed throughout thesevariable display portions 22, 23, 24 and 25. In the variable displayportions 22, 23, 24 and 25, various kinds of symbols are displayedvariably while scrolling from top down. Corresponding to the variabledisplay portions 22, 23, 24 and 25, the symbols are represented onrespective reels which are mentioned in detail later.

Below the lower liquid crystal display 4, an operating table 5 isarranged so as to project toward a player's side. On the operating table5, there are arranged an exchange (signage: CHANGE) button 6, a payout(signage: CASHOUT) button 7 and a help (signage: HELP) button 8, insequence from a leftmost side of the table 5. Additionally, theoperating table 5 has a coin insertion slot 9 and a bill insertionportion 10 both arranged on the right side of the help button 8. On thefront portion of the operating table 5, there are successively arrangedan 1-BET button 11, a spin (SPIN/REPEAT BET) button 12, a 3-BET button13 and a 5-BET button 14, in order from left side.

The exchange button 6 is provided to turn on the lamp 20. The payoutbutton 7 is pushed down by a player when the base game is finished.Thus, when the payout button 7 is pushed down, the gaming medium on aplayer's acquisition at a game (e.g. coin(s)) is paid out into a coinreceiving portion 16 through a coin payout opening 15. The help button 8is pushed down when a player cannot understand an operating method ofthe game machine so well. When the help button 8 is pushed down, varioushelp information is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 andthe lower liquid crystal display 4.

The coin insertion slot 9 is equipped with a later-described coin sensor65 (see FIG. 3) that detects a coin (or coins) inserted into the slotmachine 1. Similarly, the bill insertion portion 10 is equipped with alater-described bill sensor 66 (see FIG. 3) that detects a bill (orbills) inserted into the slot machine 1. The 1-BET button 11 is capableof increasing the number of bets (coins) one by one with respect to eachpushing down. The spin button 12 is provided to start variabledisplaying of respective symbols in the variable display portions 22 to25 of the lower liquid crystal display 4. That is, when the spin button12 is pushed down, the game is started with the present number of betsor the previous number of bets. As the number of bets (bet coins) that aplayer can bet by pushing down the spin button 12, there exist 1-bet(i.e. betting with one coin), 2-bet (betting with two coins), 3-bet(betting with three coins), abet (betting with four coins) and 5-bet(betting with five coins).

By pushing down the 3-BET button 13, a player can start a game with3-bet. Similarly, by pushing down the 5-BET button 14, a player canstart a game with 5-bet. The cabinet 2 is provided, in a lower portionthereof, with a coin payout opening 15 and a coin receiving portion 16for receiving coins paid out through the coin payout opening 15.

In the cabinet 2, four reels are arranged in respective positionsadjacent to four variable display portions 22 to 25 formed in the lowerliquid crystal display 4, respectively. In these reels, a leftmost reelin view from front of the slot machine 1 is opposed to the variabledisplay portion 22 formed in the lower liquid crystal display 4, while aleft-of-center reel is opposed to the variable display portion 23.Again, a right-of-center reel is opposed to the variable display portion24, while a rightmost reel is opposed to the display portion 25.

On the outer circumferential surface of each reel, there are representeda variety of symbols for use in a base game (i.e. a first gaming mode ofthe invention). These symbols are shown in FIG. 2. In the base game,these symbols are displayed variably while scrolling in the transparentvariable display portions 22 to 25 of the lower liquid crystal display4.

In FIG. 2, a symbol column 141 consist of a column of symbols to bevariably displayed on the variable display portion 22, while a symbolcolumn 142 consist of a column of symbols to be variably displayed onthe variable display portion 23. Similarly, a symbol column 143 consistof a column of symbols to be variably displayed on the variable displayportion 24, while a symbol column 144 consist of a column of symbols tobe variably displayed on the variable display portion 25.

The symbol columns 141, 142 and 143 have identical symbol arrangementsin common. Each of the symbol columns is formed by eleven symbols wherea triple BAR 91, a cherry 92, a double BAR 93, a “7” 94, a single BAR 95and a blank (no symbol) 96 are combined appropriately.

The symbol column 144 differs from the other columns 141, 142 and 143 inthat a single trigger symbol 97 is incorporated to the symbols formingthe columns 141, 142 and 143. This trigger symbol 97 is provided toshift the base game to a bonus game described later. Thus, if thetrigger symbol 97 is stopped and displayed on the activated payline L,then the base game can be shifted to the bonus game.

In order to form such various symbols on each reel, generally, it isfirst performed to prepare a long reel sheet having dimensions equal toboth width and peripheral length of the reel and having eleven symbolsprinted thereon. Next, the so-formed long reel sheet is applied on acurved surface of the reel. Of course, the symbols may be formed by theother method except the above-mentioned method.

When the respective symbol columns 141 to 144 scrolling in the variabledisplay portions 22 to 25 are stopped, four symbols appear on thevariable display portions 22 to 25, respectively. In the slot machine 1,a variety of winning combinations are established on the basis ofmultiple kinds of combinations of symbols in advance. In the slotmachine 1, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a winningcombination stops on the activated winning payline L, then coins worthyof the winning combination are paid out to a player through the coinpayout opening 15, which is similar to the operation of the conventionalslot machine. In this view, descriptions in common with the conventionalslot machine are eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 3, a control system of the slot machine 1 will bedescribed. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control system of theslot machine 1 typically.

In FIG. 3, the control system of the slot machine 1 mainly includes amicrocomputer 100 composed of a CPU 50 (functioning as control unit), aROM 51 and a RAM 52. The ROM 51 and the RAM 52 are together connected tothe CPU 50. In the ROM 51, there are stored a variety of programs anddata tables for executing a variety of processes (e.g. main process,start acceptance process, lottery process, base game process, bonus gameprocess, etc.—all described later) which are required to control theslot machine 1. While, the RAM 52 is a memory to temporarily storevarious data calculated by the CPU 50.

Note that in this embodiment, such programs and data used in controllingthe slot machine 1 are not limited to be stored in the ROM 51 and theRAM 52 in advance and therefore, their storages may be modifiedappropriately. For instance, it may be attempted that similar programsand data are stored in a memory medium, such as compact flash(registered trade mark) in advance and thereupon, they are down-loadedfrom the memory medium into the ROM 51 or the like.

A clockpulse generating circuit 53 generating reference clockpulses anda divider 54 are connected to the CPU 50 in common. Further, arandom-number generator 55 generating a random number and arandom-number sampling circuit 56 are together connected to the CPU 50.Random numbers sampled by the random-number sampling circuit 56 are usedin a variety of lotteries, for example, a lottery for winningcombinations. To the CPU 50, there are further connected a spin switch58 accompanied with the spin button 12, an 1-BET switch 59 accompaniedwith the 1-BET button 11, a 3-BET switch 60 accompanied with the 3-BETbutton 13, a 5-BET switch 61 accompanied with the 5-BET button 14, anexchange (CHANGE) switch 62 accompanied with the exchange button 6, apayout (CASHOUT) switch 63 accompanied with the payout button 7 and ahelp (HELP) switch 64 accompanied with the help button 8, respectively.Based on switch signals outputted from these switches pushed down, theCPU 50 performs a variety of controls in order to accomplish variousoperations corresponding to the above buttons.

Four stepping motors 68 for rotating respective reels 220 are connectedto the CPU 50 through a motor driving circuit 167. When a motor drivingsignal is outputted from the CPU 50 to the motor driving circuit 167,the stepping motors 68 are driven in rotation by the motor drivingcircuit 167. Consequently, the respective reels 220 are rotated. Then,after starting to rotate the reels 220, the number of driving pulsessupplied to each stepping motor 68 is calculated and successively, thecalculated value is stored in a designated area in the RAM 52. Inrotation, each reel 220 outputs a reset pulse with respect to each onerevolution and this reset pulse is inputted to the CPU 50. When thereset pulse is inputted to the CPU 50 in this way, the above calculatedvalue in the Ram 52 is cleared up to “0”. Then, based on a calculatedvalue corresponding to a rotational position in the range of onerevolution of each reel 220 and a symbol table where respectiverotational positions of each reel 220 stored in the ROM 51 correspond torespective symbols formed on the circumferential surface of each reel220, the CPU 50 recognizes the rotational positions of the symbols ineach reel 220.

A positional change detecting circuit 69 is connected to the CPU 50. Thepositional change detecting circuit 69 detects a change in the stopposition of each reel 220 after it has been stopped by the motor drivingcircuit 167. For instance, it should be noted that a player forciblychanges respective stop positions of the reels 220 so as to from awinning combination despite that the stop positions do not form awinning combination of symbols actually. Coping with this, thepositional change detecting circuit 69 is provided to detect a change inthe stop positions of the reels 220 in the above case. For example, thepositional change detecting circuit 69 is formed so as to enable thechange in the stop positions of the reels 220 to be detected bydetecting respective fins arranged an inside portion of each reel 220 atregular intervals.

A coin sensor 65 is arranged in the coin insertion slot 9 to detect acoin inserted through the coin insertion slot 9. The coin sensor 65 isconnected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates the number of coinsinserted, based on a coin detection signal outputted from the coinsensor 65. A bill sensor 66 is arranged in the bill insertion opening 10to detect both kind and sum of bills inserted through the opening 10.The bill sensor 66 is connected to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates thenumber of coins equivalent to the value of bills inserted, based on abill detection signal outputted from the bill sensor 66.

A hopper 71 is connected to the CPU 50 through a hopper driving circuit70. When the CPU 50 outputs a drive signal to the hopper driving circuit70, the hopper 71 pays out a designated number of coins from the coinpayout opening 15. If respective symbols displayed on the variabledisplay portions 22 to 25 form a designated combination of symbols, forinstance, the designated number of coins corresponding to thecombination are paid out to a player, as an award. Thus, the CPU 50functions as award granting unit that grants an award to a player whenthe symbols in their stopped condition form a predetermined winningcombination. A coin detecting portion (sensor) 73 is connected to theCPU 50 through a payout completion signal circuit 72. The coin detectingportion 73 is arranged in the coin payout opening 15. When detectingthat the designated number of coins have been paid out of the coinpayout opening 15, the coin detecting portion 73 outputs a coin payoutdetection signal to the payout completion signal circuit 72. Based onthe coin payout detection signal, the payout completion signal circuit72 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 50.

The upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display4 are connected to the CPU 50 through a liquid crystal driving circuit74. The CPU 50 controls the operations of the upper liquid crystaldisplay 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. As shown in FIG. 4,the liquid crystal driving circuit 74 comprises a program ROM 81, animage ROM 82, an image control CPU 83, a work RAM 84, a VDP (VideoDisplay Processor) 85 and a video RAM 86.

In FIG. 4, the program ROM 81 stores image control programs aboutrespective displays on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lowerliquid crystal display 4 and various selection tables. The image ROM 82stores, for example, dot data for forming images on the upper liquidcrystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4. Based onparameters set by the CPU 50, the image control CPU 83 determines imagesto be displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lowerliquid crystal display 4 from the dot data memorized in the program ROM81 in advance, in accordance with the image control programs memorizedin the program ROM 81 in advance. When the image control CPU 83 executesthe image control programs, the work RAM 84 operates as temporary memorymeans. The VDP 85 produces image data corresponding to display contentsdetermined by the image control CPU 83 and outputs the image data to theupper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4.Note that when the VDP 85 forms an image, the video RAM 86 operates astemporary memory means.

As shown in FIG. 3, an LED 78 is connected to the CPU 50 through an LEDdriving circuit 77. The LED 78 is arranged on the front surface of theslot machine 1. When performing a variety of effects, the lighting ofthe LED 78 is controlled by the LED driving circuit 77 on the basis of adriving signal from the CPU 50. Additionally, a sound generating circuit79 and a speaker 80 are connected to the CPU 50. Based on an outputsignal from the sound generating circuit 79, the speaker 80 can generatevarious effecting sounds in performing various effects

The lamp 20 is connected to the CPU 50 through a lamp driving circuit75. The lamp 20 is arranged on the top of the slat machine 1 (see FIG.1). When the exchange button 6 is pushed down, the lighting of the lamp20 is controlled by the lamp driving circuit 75 on the basis of adriving signal from the CPU 50.

The transparent touch panel 30 is connected to the CPU 50 through atouch panel driving circuit 67. The transparent touch panel 30 is fixedon a screen of the lower liquid crystal display 4. The transparent touchpanel 30 outputs information about coordinate positions of a panel'sportion in contact with a player (player's finger) through the touchpanel driving circuit 67, while the CPU 50 determines which portion onthe touch panel 30 has been touched by the player. Accordingly, sincethe CPU 50 utilizes the touch panel driving circuit 67 and thetransparent touch panel 30 in a sub-game acceptance process mentionedlater, it becomes possible to accept a variable display portion that theplayer has anticipated that specific symbol might be stopped anddisplayed on the same display portion. That is, the CPU 50 functions asanticipation acceptance unit for accepting a player's anticipation abouta stop position of the specific symbol.

Next, the operational example of the above-constructed slot machine 1will be described below.

First, we now describe a main process (by way of example) executed bythe slot machine 1 with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow chart ofthe main process. At the beginning pf the main process, the slot machine1 (i.e. the CPU 50) carries out a sub-game acceptance process at stepS11. At this step, it is executed to determine whether the slot machine1 accepts a player's request to take part in a sub-game mentioned later(corres. the second gaming mode of the invention).

Here, it is defined that the above “sub-game” is identical to a game tobe performed in the form of an appendix of a main game (base game orbonus game) executed in the slot machine 1. Note that the base game isdefined as the first gaming mode of the invention, while the bonus gameis defined as the special gaming mode of the invention. In the sub-game(i.e. the second gaming mode), for example, if a predetermined specialsymbol stops (on display) in a specified stop position (e.g. variabledisplay portion), which has been selected and anticipated by a player,at a stop of the rotating reels 220 in the main game, then apredetermined award is paid out against the player. As the predeterminedaward, any award will do so long as one could supply a player'srequirement. For instance, the award may be formed by a dividend ofcoins. Alternatively, if the sub-game is a game to be performed in thebase game, the award may be formed by a shift to the bonus game. In eachcase, it is possible to arouse a player's passion for gambling and alsopossible to enhance a player's gaming will (fin and excitement).

Assume in the following descriptions that a symbol “7” is designated asthe predetermined special symbol. That is, if the symbol “7” isdisplayed (or appears) on a variable display portion on a player'sselection (anticipation), it becomes definite that the player has justwon the sub-game and thereafter, a predetermined number of dividends(e.g. coins) are provided for the player. Note that the followingexplanation is directed to a case of performing the sub-game in the basegame only. However, it is not limited to this and therefore, thesub-game may be carried out only in a bonus game as a result of shiftingfrom the base game. Alternatively, the sub-game may be carried in bothbase game and bonus game.

The sub-game acceptance process performed by the slot machine 1 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flow chart explainingone example of the sub-game acceptance process. By the CPU 50 startingthe sub-game acceptance process at step S11 (FIG. 5), it is firstexecuted to determine whether a player has requested to take part in thesub-game or not (step S21). Note that the player's request to take partin the sub-game will be referred to as “sub-game challenge” after. Thissub-game challenge is accomplished by a player's predetermined inputtingoperation, for example, a player's touching on a predetermined portionof the touch panel.

FIG. 7 shows one displaying example of the lower liquid crystal display4 provided with a sub-game challenge area 26 for accomplishing asub-game challenge. In this illusion, the sub-game challenge area 26 isarranged under the variable display portions 22 to 25. In the sub-gamechallenge area 26, there is indicated a winning symbol “7” for thesub-game. A player can take part in the sub-game by operating thesub-game challenge area 26 selectively.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment operates to accept a player'sbetting for performing the sub-game corresponding to the player'ssub-game challenge. Note at this player's betting will be referred to as“additional bet” after. The number of additional bets can be setoptionally. For instance, the slot machine 1 may be constructed so as toaccept the player's sub-game challenge with one coin (i.e. 1-BET).Alternatively, the machine 1 may be constructed so as to accept theplayer's sub-game challenge with a fixed number of bets, such as 3-BETor 5-BET. Further, the award to be granted to a player may be modifiedin accordance with the number of additional bets. For instance, theaward is formed by a payout of coins in case of 1-BET (i.e. betting withone coin) for the sub-game challenge, while the award is formed by ashifting to the bonus game in case of 5-BET (i.e. betting with fivecoins) for the sub-game challenge.

In this embodiment, as mentioned above, player's indications about thesub game challenge and the additional bet are recognized in accordancewith the possibility of a player's selection of the sub-game challengearea 26 on the lower liquid crystal display 4. However, the indicationforms about sub-game challenge and the additional bet may be modifiedappropriately. For example, the player's indications about the sub-gamechallenge and the additional bet may be recognized by using the 1-BETbutton 11 or the like both as one bet button in the base game and anelement corresponding to the sub-game challenge area 26. Alternatively,the slot machine 1 may be constructed to allow a player to take part inthe sub-game whenever the player plays the main game, irrespective of aplayer's intention.

If there is no sub-game challenge, that is, the determination at stepS21 is No, then the routine goes to step S22 where it is determinedwhether or not a predetermined time (e.g. 10 seconds) has passed sincethe determination of No at step S21. If the predetermined time has notpassed yet (“No” at step S22), then the routine returns to step S21 tocontinue the monitoring of the sub-game challenge from a player. On theother hand, if the predetermined time has already passed (“Yes” at stepS22), then the sub-game acceptance process is ended on determinationthat a player has no intension of the sub-game challenge and the routinereturns to the main process. Note that while standing ready to thesub-game challenge at step S22, it is preferable to display a messagefor urging a player to participate in the sub-game on the lower liquidcrystal display 4 on the lower liquid crystal display 4, as onemodification.

When it is determined at step S21 that the sub-game challenge isrequested by a player, then the routine goes to step S22 where the CPU50 determines whether any of the variable display portions has beenselected by a player or not. If the player touches any of the variabledisplay portions with a player's finger, then the CPU 50 determineswhich of the variable display portions has been selected, based on thepositional information from the transparent touch panel 30 and the touchpanel driving circuit 67. In his way, since the player's anticipation isaccepted through the transparent touch panel 30, a player can specifythe stop position of the special symbol with ease.

When any of the variable display portions is not selected (“No” at stepS23), the routine goes to step S24 where the CPU 50 determines whetherthe predetermined time (e.g. 10 sec.) has passed since the determination“Yes” at step S21 or not. If not passed yet (“No” at step S24), then theroutine returns to step S23 to continue the monitoring of the player'sselecting of the variable display portion. On the other hand, if thepredetermined time has passed (“Yes” at step S24), the sub-gameacceptance process is ended on determination that the player has nointension of the sub-game challenge and the routine returns to the mainprocess. Note that while standing ready to the sub-game challenge atstep S24, it is also preferable to display a message for urging theplayer to participate in the sub-game on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 on the lower liquid crystal display 4, as the modification.

If the determination at step S23 is Yes, that is, when it is determinedthat any of the variable display portions has been selected, the routinegoes to step S25 where the CPU 50 carries out a “selection acceptanceimage” displaying process where an image representing a variable displayportion on acceptance of a player's selection is displayed whilecorresponding to the relevant variable display portion. Note that theabove image will be referred to as “selection acceptance image” after.FIG. 8 shows one example of the selection acceptance image to bedisplayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 by the selectionacceptance image displaying process. In his example, FIG. 8 illustratesthe variable display portion 22 being selected by a player and aselection acceptance image 27 being displayed above the variable displayportion 22. Incorporated in the selection acceptance image 27 is thesymbol “7” which corresponds to a winning symbol for the sub-game.

On completion of the selection acceptance image displaying process atstep S25, the CPU 50 finishes the sub-game acceptance process andreturns to the main process. Note that the above-mentioned sub-gameacceptance process may be modified accordingly. For instance, althoughthe determination of a player's selection of the variable displayportion (step S23) follows the determination of the presence of aplayer's sub-game challenge (step S21) in the above-mentioned sub-gameacceptance process, it may be carried out to determine the presence of aplayer's sub-game challenge (step S21) by a player's selecting of thevariable display portion on anticipation (step S22). Additionally, theselection acceptance image displaying process at step S25 would beeliminated so long as the variable display portion selected by a playercould be confirmed.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again. Whenthe sub-game acceptance process (at step S11) is completed, the CPU 50carries out a start acceptance process at step S12. This process isaccomplished by accepting a switch signal outputted from the spin switch58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BET switch 60 or the 5-BET switch 61based on a player's operating of the spin button 12, the 1-BET button11, the 3-BET button 13 or the 5-BET button 14. The game is started at apoint of time of accepting the switch signal from the relevant switch.

Based on FIG. 9, we now describe the start acceptance process performedby the slot machine 1. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the start acceptanceprocess by way of example. At step S12 in the main process of FIG. 5,the CPU 50 determines whether or not any of the spin button 12, the1-BET button 11, the 3-BET button 13 and the 5-BET button 14 has beenoperated at step S31. Here, if it is determined that the 1-BET button 11or the like has not been operated yet (“No” at step S31), then it isexecuted to maintain the monitoring operation until the relevant buttonis operated. On the other hand, if the determination at step S31 is Yes,the routine returns to the main process, that is, a lottery process atstep S13.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the start acceptance process (stepS12) is carried out after executing the sub-game acceptance process(step S11). However, the present invention is not limited to this onlyand therefore, the sub-game acceptance process may be carried out afterexecuting the start acceptance process. Particularly, when the number ofstop positions for the specific symbol anticipated in the sub-gameacceptance process is changeable corresponding to the number of bets(described later in details), it is necessary to make the number of betsdefinite in the start acceptance process in advance of the sub-gameacceptance process.

Next, the lottery process at step S13 will be described with referenceto FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the lottery process by way ofexample. At step S13 in the main process of FIG. 5, the CPU 50 firstcarries out a random number sampling process at step S41. This randomnumber sampling process is a process where the CPU 50 samples one randomnumber by the random number sampling circuit 56. Note that the randomnumber sampling process will be referred to as “determination of randomnumber” later.

In succession to the determination of random number at step S41, the CPU50 performs a determination process of combination at step S42. Thisdetermination of combination is accomplished by first comparing a randomnumber sampled at step S41 with a lottery table describing thecorrespondence between random numbers and combinations (including“losing”) and further determining a combination corresponding to theso-sampled random number. In this lottery table, for instance, there aredefined a combination of “bonus game” for any of random numbers from 1to 10, a combination of “all seven” for any of random numbers from 11 to40, . . . and a combination of “losing” for any of random numbers from341 to 1024, respectively. Note that the above combination of “allseven” coincides with a situation that all symbols at standstill on theactivated payline L are formed by “7”.

In succession to the determination process of combination at step S42,the CPU 50 performs a sub-game winning determination process at stepS43. This sub-game winning determination process is formed bydetermining a result of the lottery for the sub-game in accordance withthe combination determined at step S42. In detail, it is executed todetermine whether or not, in connection with the combination determinedat step S42, the specific symbol “7” is displayed on the variabledisplay portion selected in the sub-game acceptance process at step S11by the player. For instance, if the combination determined in thedetermination process is the combination “all seven”, then a winning isdetermined. Further, even if the combination determined in thedetermination process is the combination “losing”, a winning isdetermined so long as the symbol “7” is displayed on the selectedvariable display portion.

Note that in this embodiment, the lottery result of the sub-game (i.e. aresult of the sub-game winning determination process) is determined onthe basis of the lottery results (i.e. both results of the determinationof random number and the determination of combination) carried out inthe main game. However, the lottery result in the sub-game may bemodified properly. For instance, by comparing a random number determinedat step S41 with a sub-game lottery table where random numberscorresponds to various lottery results (including loses), it may becarried out to determine a lottery result corresponding to theso-determined random number. In this case, for example, the sub-gamelottery table may describe configurations of “win” for a determinedrandom number being any one of 1 to 40 and “lose” for a determinedrandom number being any one from 41 to 1024.

Then, since the lottery result is determined with the use of adetermined random number, it is possible to control a probabilitycausing a player's expectation to come true appropriately, allowing theplayer to be attracted to the game by means of hitting/non-hitting ofthe player's expectations. In connection, the lottery results for thecombination and the sub-game may be determined in accordance with thecomparison result with the identical random number determined at stepS41. In this case, it is possible to simplify the operation in the slotmachine 1 since there is no need to repeat the random numberdetermination process again.

In succession to the sub-game winning determination process at step S43,the CPU 50 performs a determination process of stopping symbols at stepS44. This determination process of stopping symbols is formed bydetermining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the activatedpayline L with respect to each variable display portion 22 to 25 so asto establish the combination determined in the combination determinationprocess at step S42. In detail, the CPU 50 determines a code number(No.) for a stopping symbol with respect to each reel 220 so that acombination of symbols corresponding to the determined combination isestablished on the activated payline L. On completion of thedetermination process of stopping symbols at step S44, the routinereturns to the main process, that is, a base game process at step S14,

Referring to FIG. 11, the base game process performed by the slotmachine 1 will be described below. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the basegame process by way of example. At step S14 in the main process of FIG.5, the CPU 50 first carries out a rotating process to start rotating offour reels 200 in the cabinet 2 at step S51, on the basis of the switchsignal outputted from the spin switch 58, the 1-BET switch 59, the 3-BETswitch 60 or the 5-BET switch 61 and also accepted in the startacceptance process at step S12. Due to this rotating process, respectivesymbols are scrolled in the variable display portions 22 to 25. Notethat the scrolls of respective symbols are visible since the variabledisplay portions 22 to 25 are permeable.

Next, at step S52, the CPU 50 carries out a stop control process ofstopping four reels 220 in the cabinet 2 so that the stopping symbolsdetermined in the lottery process at step S13, more in detail, in thedetermination process of stopping symbols at step S44 stops on theactivated payline L. Due to the stop control process, the scrolls ofrespective symbols in the variable display portions 22 to 25 are stoppedrespectively.

At next step S53, the CPU 50 carries out an adding process of addingcoins (value of coins) corresponding to a preset dividend to payoutschedule coins (value of coins on payout schedule) temporarily, inaccordance with the combination of symbols for a winning combinationstopped and displayed on the variable display portions 22 to 25 in thestop control process at step S52. Note that the value of coins on payoutschedule is allocated and stored in a fixed area of the RAM 52. In thisadding process, an addition of coins or the like is carried out inaccordance with the combination determined in the combinationdetermination process (step S42) and the result of lottery determined insub-game winning determination process. After the adding process, theroutine returns to the main process of FIG. 5.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again. Afterperforming the base game process (step S14), the routine goes to stepS15 where the CPU 50 determines whether the bonus game is beingestablished or not. This determination is executed based on the symbolsstopping on the activated payline L in the stop control process (stepS52) in the base game process of FIG. 11 or the random number (or thecombination) determined in the lottery process at step S13.

If it is determined that the bonus game is coming into existence (“Yes”at step S15), then the routine goes to step S16 where the CPU 50performs the bonus game process. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the bonusgame by way of example. Under the bonus game process, the slot machine 1carries out a free spin process by predetermined times (e.g. ten timesin the embodiment) at step S61. That is, in the embodiment, the bonusgame is accomplished by executing the free spin process ten times.

In the free spin process, an operation similar to the base game iscarried out without forcing a player to insert a coin or push down thebet button, in other words, without consuming coins or accumulatedcredits. Therefore, since a player can accept the payout of coins orcredits without reducing the number of coins or accumulated credits inthe bonus game, the player becomes advantageous in view of acquiring thecoins or the credits.

The free spin process performed in the bonus game process will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, since the CPU50 performs a similar process to the lottery process (step S13) and thebase game process (step S14) in accordance with a player's predeterminedoperation, it is executed to carry out a lottery process correspondingto the lottery process (step S13) at step S71. In this lottery process,the CPU 50 determines symbols to be displayed on the variable displayportions 22 to 25 under condition that the variable displaying isstopped.

Next, at step S72, the CPU 50 starts variable displaying of symbolscorresponding to the rotating process at step S51 in the base gameprocess of FIG. 11. Further, at step S73, the CPU 50 stops the variabledisplaying of symbols corresponding to the stop control process at stepS51 in the base game process of FIG. 11. In this stopping operation, theCPU 50 controls the operations of the stepping motors 68 and the motordriving circuit 167 to stop the reels 220 so that the symbols determinedin the lottery process (step S71), which will be referred to as“stopping symbols” accordingly, are displayed on the variable displayportions 22 to 25 respectively.

Next, at step S74, the CPU 50 carries out a winning determinationprocess. In detail, if the stopping symbols displayed on the respectivevariable display portions 22 to 25 contain a combination ofpredetermined symbols, it is executed to calculate the number of coinspaid out to a player or the number of credits to be added to the numberof stock credits of the player's own, corresponding to the abovecombination. Note that the timing of performing the winningdetermination process may be modified. That is, the winningdetermination process may be carried out at any timing in a period fromthe lottery process (step S71) up to the next-coming payout process(step S17).

After calculating the number of coins to be paid out to a player in thewinning determination process at step S74, the routine goes to step S75where the CPU 50 performs an adding process of adding the above numberof coins to preceding coins on payment schedule temporarily. Withcompletion of the processes from step S71 to step S75, one free spinprocess is finished.

Returning to FIG. 12, we continue to explain the bonus game. Oncompletion of the free spin process in the above way (step S61), theroutine goes to step S62 where the CPU 50 determines whether the numberof executions of the bonus game has reached a prescribed number of times(i.e. 10 times in this embodiment) or not. If the judgment at step S61is No (unattained), then the CPU 50 carries out the free spin processagain. While, if the number of executions has reached the prescribednumber (“Yes” at step S62), the CPU 50 finishes the bonus game processand the routine returns to the main process.

Returning to FIG. 5, we begin to describe the main process again When itis determined at step S15 that the bonus game is not established yet andwhen the bonus game at step S16 is completed, the routine goes to stepS17 where the CPU 50 performs a payout process. In the payout process,it is performed to eject the dividend number of coins to be added to thepreceding coins (on payment schedule) in both adding processes in thebase game (step S53) and the free spin process (step S75) collectively.Alternatively, it is executed to add the dividend number to the numberof credits in stock. After executing the payout process, the routinegoes back to the sub-game acceptance process at step S11, preparing thenext-coming game. Here, we finish respective explanations of the mainprocess and the operation of the slot machine.

In this way, according to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, thepredetermined award is granted to a player when the specific symbol hasbeen stopped and displayed on the variable display portion selected(anticipated) by the player, in addition to the payout in the base game.That is, since the slot machine 1 of his embodiment is capable ofproviding a player with a gaming mode that the player can participate inthe game positively, which is different from the conventional gameunilaterally afforded by the slot machine, it is possible to improve aninteraction between the gaming machine and the player and also possibleto enhance the player's fun and excitement sufficiently.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodimentand therefore, various changes and modifications may be made within thescope of the invention. Regarding both sizes and shapes of constituentsof the slot machine, the present invention is not limited to those shownin the accompanied drawings with the above-mentioned embodiment andtherefore, they may be modified within the scope exerting the effects ofthe present invention. As for the other elements, they may be alteredwithin the scope of purpose of the invention Various modifications ofthe present invention will be described below.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot machine 1 is formed by agaming machine equipped with so-called “mechanical reels”. In themodification, the present invention is also applicable to a so-called“video-reel” type slot machine having image display unit, such as liquidcrystal display unit, in place of the mechanical reels.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot machine 1 is provided, inthe cabinet 2, with four reels 220 and one activated payline L. Inconnection with his constitution, the number of reels 220 and the numberof activated paylines L may be established optionally. Additionally, thestopping symbols for four (left, left-and-center, right-and-center,right) reels 220 are determined by one random number in theabove-mentioned embodiment. In the modification, it may be carried outto sample one random number with respect to each reel 200, determiningthe stopping symbol for each reel 200.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the sub-game is formed by a player'santicipation of a variable display portion where the specific symbol(e.g. “7”) might be stopped and displayed thereon. In the modification,the sub-game may be modified optionally. For instance, needless to say,the other symbol except for the symbol “7” may be employed for thespecific symbol. The selecting of the specific symbol may be modified sothat a player can take charge of it. Then, the player is required toselect both of the specific symbol and the variable display portion onanticipation. Alternatively, the selecting of the specific symbol may bemodified so that a player can select the variable display portion(s) onanticipation by plural. On the assumption of adopting thesemodifications, additionally, the dividend may be changed in accordancewith a degree (high/low) of winning probability. If adopting theabove-mentioned modifications, then it is possible to improve aninteraction in the sub-game between a gaming machine and a player andalso possible to enhance player's fun and excitement against the gamefurthermore.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the selecting of a specific symbol inthe sub-game requires for a player to touch the transparent touch panel30 of the lower liquid crystal display 4 through a player's finger etc.Instead, four buttons exclusive to the selection may be provided on theoperating table 5, allowing the variable display portion on anticipationto be selected.

It should be noted that in the above-mentioned embodiment, a player'sselecting of one variable display portion is directly linked to theplayer's anticipating of a stop position for the specific symbol, owingto the provision of the single activated payline L. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. In the modification, for example,there may be provided a plurality of activated paylines that allow aplayer to anticipate the stop position for the specific symbol withrespect to each activated payline. Then, it becomes more difficult forthe player to anticipate the stop position due to an increase ofpositions that the specific symbol can stop, allowing the player's funand excitement for the game to be enhanced furthermore.

Particularly, in case of providing a plurality of activated paylines, itis general that the activated paylines can be activated in accordancewith the number of bets. Thus, it is desirable that the slot machine isconstructed so as to enable a player to anticipate the stop positionsfor the specific symbol only on the activated paylines activatedcorresponding to the number of bets. In such a case, the number ofexpectable stop positions for the specific symbol is increased as thenumber of bets increases. Therefore, if anticipating the stop positionsfor the specific symbol in multiple, then it becomes necessary for theplayer to increase the number of bets. Consequently, in addition to theabove effects, it is also possible to increase the whole sales of a gamearcade having many slot machines constructed above.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the coin is illustrative of thegaming medium. However, the gaming medium is not limited to this andtherefore, any gaming medium could be adopted so long as it enables aplayer to play a game using the slot machine 1. Particularly, as for thepayout form of gaming medium obtained by a player, the player may acceptthe payout in the from of a magnetic card recording the number ofobtained gaming medium therein or a receipt having the number of gamingmedium printed thereon. Additionally, the number of gaming medium to bepaid out may be managed by a server performing information managementabout the slot machine 1.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the lottery (e.g. lottery in thelottery process) is accomplished with the use of a lottery table whererandom numbers corresponds to various winning combinations. However, thelottery in content is not limited to this and therefore, it may bemodified. Regarding registration contents in the lottery table,particularly, it may be constructed so that the random numbers relate tothe winning combinations one on one. Alternatively, the lottery tablemay be formed so that the random numbers relate to the winningcombinations, plural numbers on one combination. Additionally, oncondition that there is provided a lottery table where the randomnumbers relate to respective symbols formed on the reels, the stoppingsymbol may be determined with respect to each reel. In this case, it isexpected to make use of a code number (No.) allocated with respect toeach symbol. Moreover, without adopting a random number as it is forlottery, the winning combination may be determined in accordance with acalculation result obtained by applying a predetermined calculation onthe random number.

Repeatedly, the foregoing descriptions are related to one embodiment andvarious modifications of the invention. However, the invention is notlimited to them and therefore, various changes and modifications may bemade within the scope of claims.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display for variably displaying aplurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operate with the displayto (a) accept a players anticipation of a stop position for a specificsymbol in the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state, (c)display the symbols determined on the display, and (d) provide an awardto the player if the specific symbol is positioned on the stop positionanticipated by the player.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a slot game;a display for the slot game, which variably displays a plurality ofsymbols; a processor programmed to operate with the display to (a)accept a player's anticipation of a stop position for a specific symbolin the display, (b) determine symbols for a stationary state in the slotgame, (c) display the symbols determined on the display, (d) provide afit award to the player if a combination of the symbols is won, and (e)provide a second award to the player if the specific symbol ispositioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.
 3. The gangmachine of claim 2, wherein the slot game including a base game, and theprocessor accepts a player's anticipation of a stop position for aspecific symbol in the display in the base game.
 4. The gaming machineof claim 2, wherein the first award is to shift a gaming mode of theslot game from a base game to a bonus game which is a profitable gamingmode for the player.
 5. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the slotgame including a bonus game, and the processor accepts a player'santicipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display inthe bonus game.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the processoraccepts the player's plural anticipations about the stop positions forthe specific symbol.
 7. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein theprocessor allows the player to select the specific symbol from theplurality of symbols.
 8. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein thesecond award is to shift a gaming mode of the slot game from a base gameto a bonus game.
 9. A gaming machine comprising: a display for variablydisplaying a plurality of symbols; a processor programmed to operatewith the display to (a) accept a player's anticipation of a stopposition for a specific symbol in the display, (b) determine symbols fora stationary state, (c) display the symbols determined on the display,and (d) provide an award to the player if the specific symbol ispositioned on the stop position anticipated by the player, wherein theprocessor accepts the player's plural anticipations about the stoppositions for the specific symbol.
 10. A gaming method for a gamingmachine having a display for a slot game, which variably displays aplurality of symbols, the gaming method comprising: accepting a player'santicipation of a stop position for a specific symbol in the display;determining a combination of symbols for a stationary state; operatingthe display to display the symbols variably and stopping the operationof the display to display the combination of symbols in a station state;and granting an award to the player when the specific symbol ispositioned on the stop position anticipated by the player.